GREETINGS! In your hands is a copy of the Department of Fish,

Wildlife and Parks' Annual Report for 1993. It has been designed not
only to chronicle some of the activities and accomplishments ofFWP
over the past year, but also to introduce new activities and programs
that will be undertaken to conserve or enhance your fish, wildlife and
parks.

Many of you are far more than customers of the services we provide,
you are part owners in the public business of managing Montana's
fish, wildlife and parks. Our accomplishments are your accomplish-
ments, the result of many partnerships and initiatives among indi-
viduals. organizations and agencies.

It is important to reflect upon and celebrate the accomplishments of
1993. It is just as important to look to the future. The Department and
Commission wanted to share with you some of the challenges and
opportunities that we foresee.

All of this is presented in a new format that we hope is more readable
and valuable to you. Please let us know what you think After all, this
annual report was designed for you our customer.

On behalf of the Commissioners and staff of the Department of Fish,
Wildlife and Parks,

Patrick ] Graham

Director MARC RACICOT, Governor, Slate of Montana

cMor\taT\a *Dep<ij tn\eT\t of commissioners
eFisl\^.<Wlldlife Stanley f meyer,

Chairman
Great Falls

JAMES D RECTOR,
Vice-Chairman
Glasgow

ELAINE K. ALLESTAD
Big Timber

CHARLES R. DECKER
Libby

DAVID W. SIMPSON
Hardin

We are a slate agency. The Department's Director is
appointed by the Governor, as is the five-member Fish, Wildlife and
Parks Commission. The agency's operating budget and hunting and
fishing fees are approved by the legislature. Commissioners set fish,
wildlife and parks regulations, set park fees, must approve all
Department land-related matters, set policy and approve the
Department's budget prior to submission to the legislature. The
Director oversees the development of Department policy, planning,
management and operations.

We believe it is important to keep those interested in Montana's
fish, wildlife, parks and recreational resources informed. This report
provides an overview of highlights of the 1 993 calendar year and
direction anticipated for 1994 and beyond

We realize we must be responsive to the needs of the diverse
resources entrusted to our care with a focus on the habitat and
ecological systems on which they depend. While we recognize we
cannot be "all things to all people," we must consider an increas-
ingly diverse spectrum of values when making decisions and imple-
menting actions.

We undertake public involvement efforts as a part of the
development of plans aimed at helping us determine priorities and
preferred direction for the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

The five goals, the accomplishments and the views
of the future that follow are a specific reflection of
what we heard from the thousands of Montanans
who were a part of a long-range planning process
initiated in 1991.

* Where The Money Comes From

■ FWP IS FUNDED PRIMARILY BY USER FEES:

■ LESS THAN 1% OF FWP'S TOTAL BUDGET COMES FROM THE STATE GENERAL FUND

FISCAL YEAR

(budgeted)

GENERAL FUND
$311,105
0.7%

REVENUE DEFINITIONS:

GENERAL FUND- Slate lax dollars.

HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES This includes license sales
revenue, interest earnings and other miscellaneous revenue
Non-resident license sales account for nearly 2/3 of FWP's total
license revenue.

PARKS REVENUES • Only Slate revenue sources are included,
such as: tees for state park use; a portion of the state's
accommodations tax; a small percentage of the state fuel lax;
interest earnings from coal severance tax receipts; and other
miscellaneous revenue sources.

FEDERAL REVENUES. The department receives federal monies
to: aid in fish and wildlife restoration efforts; for parks develop-
ment and maintenance; for boating safety, education and
regulation: and other programs.

In 1994 nearly 90% of FWP's federal assistance, or approximately
$8.75 million, was appropriated to Montana for fish and wildlife
restoration through the Pittman-Robertson (PR.) and Dingell-Johnson
(D.J.) programs. P R. monies are derived from an excise tax on sporting
arms and ammunition, pistols and revolvers and certain archery equipment, D.J. monies are
derived from an excise tax on fishing equipment and electronic trolling motors, a portion of the
federal fuels tax and import duties on fishing tackle and pleasure boats

The balance of federal monies comes from various federal sources and is used for other purposes
including parks programs

FACT ■ Montana's hunters and
anglers, through the purchase of
hunting and fishing licenses, have
spent more than $16,000 per day
for fish and wildlife conservation
in Montana for the last 50 years.

TOTAL REVENUES: $42,006,680

FACT ■ Montana deer, elk and
antelope hunters spend over $ 137
million annually on goods and
services, excluding license fees.

Where The Money Goes

FWP SPENDS MONEY IN TWO MAIN WAYS:

OPERATIONS for day-to-day management of fish, wildlife & park resources.

■ CAPITAL for major repair & maintenance of FWP properties, for renovation & construction
of facilities & to acquire land.

FISCAL YEAR

(estimated)

Parks:

Operating.

Capital

Total

% of Total .

$5,716,741
_ 2, 743,729
$8,460,470
20.5%

The Parks Division is responsible for
the development, maintenance and
operation of all state parks and affili-
ated sites with an objective of provid-
ing diverse recreational opportunities
while preserving important historical
& cultural resources within Montana

Wildlife:

Operating.

Capital

Total

% of Total .

$6,466,950
. 3,132,750
S9, 599,700
23. 3%

The Wildlife Division is responsible
for managing all species of big game,
upland game birds, waterfowl,
furbearers, nongame and endangered
wildlife in the state

Fisheries:

Operating.

Capital

Total

% of Total

S 5,4 12,206
2,729,000
$8,141,206
19 7%

The Fisheries Division is responsible
for the management and perpetuation
of Montana's fish and other aquatic
resources

Conservation Education:

Operating SI, 81 7, 780

Capital 100.000

Total $1,917,780

% of Total 4.6%

The Conservation Education Division
acts as a clearinghouse for dissemi-
nating information on FWP activities
and news items to the media and
conducts a variety of education and
recreation safety programs

DEPARTMENT TOTAL:

Operating $32,433,942

Capital 8,861,979

Total $41,295,921

Enforcement:

Operating

% of Total

FACT ■ Wildlife viewing contrib-
utes more than $ 108 million
annually to Montana’s economy.

FACT ■ Anglers in Montana
spend over $ 100 million annually
on goods and services, excluding
license fees. '

$4,762,307

11.5%

The Enforcement Division is respon-
sible for enforcing all the fish and
game laws of Montana, FWP rules
and Commission regulations Divi-
sion personnel also enforce state
boating and snowmobile rules and
state park regulations as well as
private property laws and regulations
as they deal with hunting and fishing.

Field Services:

Operating

% of Total

$2,192,717
5 3%

The Field Services Division is
responsible for FWP's lands program,
construction projects and landowner-
sportsman's relations program.

Management and Finance:

Operating $6,065,241

Capital 156,500

Total $6,221,741

% of Total 1 5.1 %

The Helena-based Director's Office
staff, which includes FWP’s director,
chief of staff operations and chief of
field operations, makes major policy
and administrative decisions
Regional supervisors handle on-the-
ground implementation of policies
and programs. The Administration
and Finance Division is responsible
for accounting, purchasing, person-
nel, data processing and admmistra-
lion of FWP's licensing functions.

s

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1993

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MISSION: The Montana
Department of Fish,Wildlife

and Parks, through its employees and
citizen commission, provides for the
stewardship of the fish, wildlife, parks
and recreational resources of Montana,
while contributing to the quality of life
for present and future generations.

FISH, WILDLIFE & PARKS

STATE documents collection

' ? 7 2001

MONTANA STATE UBRARY
1515 E. 6th AVE.

HELENA, MONTANA 59620

Manage with a focus on ecological
systems to reflect the diversity of
all wildlife and their habitats while

maintaining our commitment

to Montana's hunting and

A

Highlights '9.3

CONSERVATION EASEMENTS B Through an innovative
project to protect critical wildlife habitat, preserve Montana's
agricultural heritage and maintain the local tax base, the FWP
Commission approved the transferring of fee title ownership of
17,845 acres in southeastern Montana to a private operator.

The Department retained a conservation easement on the
17,845 acres and acquired a conservation easement on 22,959
additional acres from the private operator. Nearly 41 ,000 acres
of critical wildlife habitat were, thus, protected in perpetuity.

FACT ■ Conservation easements are a
unique way to protect wildlife habitat,
ecosystems and open space from land uses
potentially detrimental to the property's
natural values. A conservation easement is
a legal agreement a property owner, makes
to restrict the type and amount of develop-
ment that may take place on the profH'rty

A plan was prepared to conserve important wildlife habitat
in the Blackfoot Valley. This plan utilizes conservation ease-
ments to keep private land in private ownership while provid-
ing for the basic needs of many wildlife species

SYKES ACT ■ In partnership with the Bureau of Land
Management and Forest Service, 20 fish and wildlife habitat
improvement projects were completed on public lands.

STATE WATERFOWL STAMP PROGRAM ■

Waterfowl enhancement projects were completed at 45 sites in
1993 Projects included clearing land, nesting culverts, goose
nesting platforms, wood duck boxes and water control structures.

FISH OF SPECIAL CONCERN ■ fwp worked closely

with the Governor's Office, Forest Service and U S. Fish and
Wildlife Service to help develop a bull trout recovery plan.

These efforts culminated in a Governor's Bull Trout Roundtable
where participants recommended that the state develop a
restoration plan for bull trout.

Projects to expand the range of stream-dwelling Arctic
grayling included protection of the population in the Big Hole
River, establishment of a genetically sound brood stock and
reintroduction of the species in three river systems.

In cooperation with North Dakota, a draft plan for paddle-
fish research and management in the Yellowstone-Sakakawea
and Fort Peck populations was completed.

FISHING ACCESS SITE IMPROVEMENTS ■ Projects

at 1 3 fishing access sites improved acc rssibility for those with
disabilities, boating access and site promotion,

COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LAW ■

Completed an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) specific to
the state's black bear management program aimed at improving
the bear population and addressing other concerns

Completed a Snowmobile Programmatic EIS that will guide
the future of this trail grants program, This EIS identifies
potential cultural and natural resource impacts and provides an
array of measures to minimize or eliminate negative impacts.

Completed environmental assessments on numerous game
farm license applications.

GAME FARMS B Legislation passed by the 1993 Legisla-
ture strengthened the regulation of the game farm industry by
addressing license procedures, criteria for license issuance,
record keeping, license revocation procedures and penalties for
violation of laws.

LAW ENFORCEMENT B Undercover wildlife enforcement
operations continued to address serious violations. Twelve cases
involving 64 defendants and 327 counts were investigated.

2,700 TIP-MONT calls resulted in 5^7 violation reports
being distributed to field wardens for investigation.

Provide increased opportunities for
public enjoyment of fish, wildlife and
parks resources while maintaining
our commitment to improve
landowner-sportspersons-
department relations.

D

Highlights '93

PRIVATE LANDS/ PUBLIC WILDLIFE ADVISORY

COUNCIL B FWP helped establish the Governor's Private
Lands/Public Wildlife Advisory Council and local advisory
groups to; address hunter access; protect wildlife habitat;
minimize impacts on and inconvenience to landowners;
maintain a viable outfitting industry; and provide tangible
benefits to landowners who allow hunter access

BLOCK MANAGEMENT B FWP's Block Management
Program exceeded 5 million acres in 1993, with over 275
landowners cooperating in this land access program Over
1 50,000 hunter days of recreation resulted.

As a result of changes in administrative rules specific to state
lands access, FWP initiated rule making for Block Management
Areas. Equal access, equal opportunity, availability of informa-
tion and how to better ensure public participation in the
discussion of how state lands will be included in the program
were addressed.

FACT ■ The Department's 70 field
wardens cover, on air rage, '2, 07 9 square
miles of land and ti'ater.

FACT ■ Over 75 percent of the annual
white-tailed deer and antelope harvest
occurs on private lands in Montana

Law enforcement partnerships were established with the U S.
Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management.

WATCHABLE WILDLIFE SURVEY B A User Prefer-

ence Survey of residents and nonresidents, funded by contribu-
tions to the Income Tax Checkoff for Wldlife, was conducted.
The intent of the survey was to determine what is preferred in
the way of a watchable wildlife program for Montana ... which
opportunities to pursue and how to fund them.

MANAGING WILDLIFE NUMBERS B a record

75,000 antlerless elk permits were issued through special
drawings.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES B In December, the FWP
Commission accepted ownership of the 4,000-acre Thompson
Chain of Lakes located between Kalispell and Libby. The Chain
of Lakes Advisory Council helped develop a management plan
and environmental assessment.

UPLAND GAME BIRD HABITAT ENHANCEMENT B

As of December 31. FWP had entered into over 500 contracts
with private landowners through the Upland Game Bird Habitat
Enhancement Program. Nearly $2 million has been committed
to: shelterbelts totaling 8,263 acres; 10,044 acres of winter food
plots; 70,378 acres of nesting cover and range management
projects totaling 94,897 acres.

STREAM HABITAT IMPROVEMENTS B Twelve river

restoration projects located on 11 streams statewide included
approximately nine miles of riparian fencing, removal of two
streamside feedlots, improved fish passage, willow planting, con-
version of a flood irrigation system to sprinkler to preserve instream
flows and installation of rock drop structures to reduce erosion

Habitat restoration projects on tributaries of the Missouri
River and Canyon Ferry Reservoir included the delivery of
surplus water to traditionally dewatered stream sections (three
miles), riparian fencing (one mile) and control and reduction of
sedimentation (25 miles).

FACT ■ Over 1,100 individual uviters in
Montana support S6 species of fish

In the Blackfoot River and Rock Creek drainages, restoration
and enhancement efforts are underway through the cooperatron
of private landowners, federal agencies and private organiza-
tions. Projects include riparian vegetation enhancement, fish
barrier removal to open spawning streams for cutthroat and bull
trout and wetland and rangeland improvements to enhance
fisheries habitat on approximately 147 miles of streams,

WATER LEASES B To ensure water necessary for a healthy
fishery were approved and implemented on two streams.

'94 and beyond ... areas of emphasis

VJe will :

■ Complete a first draft of a wildlife management program-
matic environmental impact statement that will provide long-
term direction for Montana's wildlife program.

■ Complete environmental impact statements addressing
mountain lions, upland game birds, waterfowl and the manage-
ment of those species.

■ Implement the black bear management program detailed in
the Record of Decision in the EIS completed in 1993.

■ Develop draft criteria specific to future deer management in
Montana.

■ Continue habitat protection and improvement efforts
including partnerships with federal agencies on public land as
well as private land managers,

■ Address endangered species managemeni in Montana
including reviewing the Endangered Species Act, future funding
and FWP priorities.

■ Continue efforts to secure water leases necessary for healthy
fisheries.

■ Complete Yellowstone cutthroat trout management guidelines.

■ Increase public information and enforcement efforts address-
ing illegal fisheries introductions.

■ Develop a hunter ethics program that will address hunter
responsibilities and contributions made by hunters to wildlife
conservation.

■ Formulate a Watchable Wildlife Plan for 1994-1999 based
on the results of the User Preference Suivey.

■ Address funding options for a Watch, ible Wildlife Program.

— ; L-

At Big Casino Creek Reservoir near Lewistown, a coopera-
tive effort between a private landowner, Fergus County, the City
of Lewistown and FWP resulted in flatwater fishing opportuni-
ties for those with disabilities and the residents of the State
Center for the Aged.

FACT ■ In 1992, Montana lakes and
reservoirs were stocked with over 34
million fish.

A disabled access/interpretive site at Ninepipe Wildlife
Management Area was completed.

Special events at state parks were increased from 6 to 48.
These included: Buzzard Day at Makoshika, Kids Day at Spring
Meadow Lake and the Beach Olympics at Lake Elmo.

FORT PECK FISHERY B Fifty-four thousand Chinook
salmon were released in an effort to establish a self-sustaining
salmon fishery in Fort Peck Reservoir.

MAKOSHIKA IMPROVEMENTS B A new visitor center

was nearing completion at the end of 1993 at Makoshika State
Park The center will serve as a focal point for Montana's largest
state park providing visitor information, comfort services, a gift
shop and park offices.

FACT ■ The first complete triceratops
skull was found at Makoshika State Park.

TRIBAL NEGOTIATIONS B A Memorandum of Under-
standing with the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck
Reservation established a limited antelope hunting season for
non-tribal members on tribal lands.

A meeting was held with the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre
Tribes of the Fort Belknap Reservation and with the Chippewa-
Cree Tribes of the Rocky Boy Reservation to discuss consistent
hunting and fishing seasons, bag limits, enforcement and
conservation efforts on the reservations.

PROTECTING CULTURAL RESOURCES B Preserva-
tion and stabilization projects were completed at Plenty Coups
and Bannack state parks as well as Elkhorn Ghost Town.

'94 and beyond ... areas of emphasis

We will:

■ Increase emphasis on hunter access and landowner benefits
through involvement with the Governor's Private Lands/Public
Wildli/e Advisory Council.

■ Complete the rule-making process for the 8lock Manage-
ment Program.

■ Evaluate our game damage program with the intent of more
effectively serving private landowners who allow public
hunting access, but are being impacted by game damage.

■ Continue to evaluate how recreational facilities and pro-
grams are designed for persons with disabilities.

■ Increase efforts to provide more opportunity and training to
women, youth and disabled persons interested in fishing,
hunting and other outdoor activities.

■ Continue discussions with Native American Tribes in
Montana to address fish and wildlife issues within the bound-
aries of reservations.

■ Provjde more special events, interpretive trails and guided
tours in state parks.

■ Implement early moose, sheep and goat drawings to allow
successful applicants additional time to plan their hunts.

■ Evaluate an automated system to allow the use of personal
credit cards for the purchase of hunting and fishing licenses.

PARKS FUNDING B As a result of the 1993 legislative
session, the Parks Division received funding to help in two new
areas — from the State Accommodations Tax to maintain state
parks, and from the Vehicle Fuel Tax to begin improving park
system roads.

VOLUNTEERS B 22,000 hours of service were donated in
Montana's State Park System .

PRIMITIVE PARKS B The 1993 Legislature passed the
Primitive Parks Act restricting the development and collection
of user fees at 1 5 state parks. Future development will be
limited to replacing existing facilities, improving access for
those with disabilities and solving health and safety problems.

PARTNERSHIPS B Management of Hell Creek on Fort
Peck Reservoir and sites on Hauser Lake were negotiated.

FACT ■ Ulm Pishkun State Park is the
largest buffalo jump in the world.

SITE TRANSFERS B Two state park sites at Holler Lake
were transferred to the Bureau of Land Management Bears Paw
Battlefield near Chinook was transferred to the National Park
Service Management of Canyon Ferry was transferred to the
Bureau of Reclamation.

'94 and beyond ... areas of emphasis

We will:

m Ask for public input as we develop management plans for
some of our most popular state parks.

■ Seek to retain our diverse funding and seek new sources to

meet needs such as protecting buffalo jumps, dinosaur fossil
sites and historic buildings.

■ Improve the professional training of our staff so that they can
belter serve and care for the natural and cultural resources in
Montana's parks.

■ Offer more educational and interpretive programs for state
parks users.

■ Continue to stabilize historic buildings for future genera-
tions.

■ Continue repair of roads in state parks.

■ Continue to repair and replace worn out facilities, such as
toilets, picnic tables and boat ramps.

■ Work with a statewide advisory committee on a State Trails
Plan. Subsequent to the development of the plan, trails-related
functions administered by FWP, such as the Off-Highway
Vehicle program, will undergo environmental reviews.

Elevate the importance of public edu-
cation and participation in all program
areas to afford citizens the opportunity

to better understand, appreciate and
make informed decisions

nhmit fliirnfltiira! and

Highlights '9.3

AQUATIC EDUCATION B Information such as posters,
videos and computer programs were developed and provided
for grades K-12.

Interpretive facilities at fish hatcheries, state parks and
popular fishing access sites have been improved.

FISHING CLINICS B In cooperation with private conser-
vation organizations, fishing clinics were conducted in all FWP
regions. These clinics provided youngsters with the opportunity
to learn first-hand how to fish and what fish and other stream
species and streamside inhabitants need to survive.

YOUTH MAGAZINE B As a result of a public-private
partnership, FWP is distributing a conservation education
magazine to fourth graders throughout Montana. Teachers will
use the information to conduct classroom activities

FACT ■ 1,200 Montana educators
attended 42 Project WIL D (environmental
education) workshops in 1993.

OUTDOOR CLASSROOMS B A program was initiated
with the Montana Education Association to use state parks as
outdoor classrooms by providing teachers with resource
materials to use at those sites.

The number of youth educational tours at Bannack, Lewis
and Clark Caverns, Canyon Ferry for eagle viewing. Giant
Springs and Chief Plenty Coups were increased.

HUNTER/TRAPPER EDUCATION B Approximately

6,700 Montanans participated in Hunter Education and 1,000
Montanans participated in Bowhunter Education programs In
addition. Hunter Education courses for women were conducted
in four FWP regions.

FACT ■ Montana's 700 volunteer Hunter
Educiition Instructors certified dtvr 6,701 )
individuals in 1993.

Trapper Education courses were implemented statewide in
cooperation with the Montana Trapjaers Association. The program
teaches safe, legal, ethical and humane trapping practices.

WATER SAFETY B Approximately 1,800 individuals, pre-
school to adult, participated in water safety and boating
education programs

FWP produced a motorboat operator home study course to
fulfill new mandatory certification requirements of young boaters.

FORT PECK FISHING B A -Fort Peck Fishing Guide-
showing key locations, illustrations of fish and other pertinent
information was produced

"3 MEN ... 3 RIVERS” B FWP released a national award-
winning 16-mm film documentary entitled, "Three Men ...
Three Rivers." The intent of the documentary is to increase
awareness, understanding and appreciation of the many values
of our rivers and what they mean to our way of life.

FACT ■ Montana has the highest number
of resident hunters and anglers per capita
in the United Stales.

REACHING OUT B FWP produced a pilot video newslet-
ter that was distributed to groups throughout Montana. The
purpose of the newsletter is to inform viewers of Department-
related issues, activities and programs.

TELEVISION B Fifty-Six weekly outdoor programs were
produced .for Montana television stations.

LIVING WITH GRIZZLIES B A brochure on living in grizzly
country was produced by the Department in cooperation with the
Flathead National Forest. Information is included on bear biology
and human behavior and safety in grizzly country.

'94 and beyond ... areas of emphasis

We will:

• Expand the aquatic education program to include a warm
water segment.

■ Work with private interests to renovate FWP's Helena-based
wild animal shelter to include facility improvement and
expanded educational opportunities.

■ Expand educational opportunities at the Lewis and Clark
Caverns and Makoshika visitor centers.

■ Develop five-year plans to guide hunter and bowhunter
education. Included will be priorities, goals and objectives.

■ Complete a video program in cooperation with the agricul-
tural community and sportsmen/women addressing grazing and
the implications to ranch operations, wildlife and the public.

Create a work environment where a
diverse workforce can focus on Fish,
Wildlife & Parks priorities under
healthy, satisfying and
caring conditions.

G

Highlights '93

IMPROVED EFFICIENCY AND EXCELLENCE OF
FWP PROGRAMS B A committee was appointed to
address agency culture, working environment and workforce
diversity The primary objectives were to: assure long-term
success of FWP programs; improve service to the people who
value and participate in those programs; improve hiring and
promotion practices and improve retention of experienced
employees who are instrumental in developing, implementing
and delivering FWP programs and services.

EMPLOYEE SAFETY B FWP formed a safety committee,
developed a safety policy format and conducted a Department-
wide employee safely survey.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE B FWP contracted to provide an
employee assistance program. The program provides confiden-
tial assistance for problems that may be interfering with an
employee's family life or the employee's work. This program is
designed to help employees get back to full productivity.

'94 and beyond ... areas of emphasis

We will:

■ Develop an action plan to improve work environment and
workforce diversity.

■ Implement recommendations resulting from the employee
safety survey